Error "Object reference not set to an instance of an object." occurs when clicking on Processing in IT Analytics
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Error "Object reference not set to an instance of an object." occurs when clicking on Processing in IT Analytics

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Article ID: 154514

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Updated On:

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IT Analytics

Issue/Introduction

When clicking on Processing in IT Analytics (IT Analytics > Settings > Processing), the error "Object reference not set to an instance of an object." occurs.

Server Error in '/Altiris/ITAnalytics' Application

Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

Cause

The SQL Server Analysis Server and SQL Server Reporting Server are not on the same SQL Server, and, Kerberos is not set up or working between the two SQL Servers and (if on a third) the Symantec Management Platform SQL Server.

Resolution

It is not recommended to use one SQL Server for the SQL Server Analysis Server (SSAS) and a different one for the SQL Server Reporting Server (SSRS). This can result in complications and issues trying to enable them to work in with each other and IT Analytics, such as the "object reference" error when clicking on Processing in IT Analytics. Other symptoms will also occur, such as not being able to use reporting in IT Analytics or on the SQL Server directly.

In order for this configuration to work, Microsoft Kerberos authentication must be installed and functioning. Kerberos is required because of how SSAS and SSRS work and the number of hops needed for authentication. Internet Explorer/.NET only passes authentication two times. IT Analytics needs three: Symantec Management Platform --> SSAS --> SSRS. This therefore will fail without Kerberos.

The best suggestion is to move SSAS or SSRS to the same SQL Server to avoid the third hop. If this is not able to be done, then Kerberos must be installed and working. NOTE: Symantec Technical Support is unable to assist in the implementation or troubleshooting of Kerberos. Refer to the network administrator or Microsoft for assistance regarding this.

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